The church also advances Hubbard’s ‘study technology’ to tackle illiteracy.

Hubbard’s teachings are offered at the church and the Joy of Learning Center, a small, privately owned and Scientology-linked school that opened a year ago in the former Pierce-Arrow building on Elmwood Avenue in Buffalo.

Tracy Diina, executive director of Literacy Volunteers of Buffalo & Erie County, said the church contacted her about using Hubbard’s study program. She declined.

“My biggest concern is that their methodology is not sound educationally,” Diina said. “They couldn’t seem to point to educational principles that are employed”.

The Joy of Learning Center is affiliated with Applied Scholastics, a Church of Scientology front group. Scientologist Charles Abramo is listed in the 2004 WISE (World Institute of Scientology Enterprises) Directory under Applied Scholastics. To read more about Applied Scholastics see the following links: